USD 630 million investment in ammonia options
The Naples-based Grimaldi Group has ordered five new ammonia-ready PCTCs (pure car and truck carriers). This new project, which also includes an option for a further two vessels, comes just over two months after the latest order for the construction of five more PCTCs.
Thus, the Neapolitan group has commissioned Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC), two subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), to build five new PCTCs. Including the two additional units, the total investment will be above USD 630 million.
With a length of 200 m, a width of 38 m and loading capacity of 9,000 ceu, the newbuilds have been designed to transport electric and fossil fuel vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) as well as other types of heavy rolling freight (up to 250 t).
They will be among the first ships to be equipped with a new type of electronic engine with low consumption and will also comply with the most stringent limits established at international level for CO2, NOx and SOx emissions.
In addition, the new ships will have the Rina (Italian Naval Register) ammonia-ready class notation, which certifies that they may be converted to the use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel. (sh)